For those who may not have read the various articles in the Advertiser or the match programme there is a project for the renovation of the grave of Sam Allen.As you probably know Sam was not only responsible for the signings of Harold Fleming and Jock Walker but moulded a team that not only won the Southern League title twice but finished as runners-up three times, and reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup twice as well as winning the Dubonnet Cup.His service to the club spanned 51 years and he in fact died in office on 1st January 1946.
The inscription on his grave reads
FIFTY YEARS AN OFFICIAL OF THE SWINDON TOWN FOOTBALL CLUB
FORTY FOUR YEARS AS SECRETARY
MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE OF THE SOUTHERN LEAGUE
REPRESENTATIVE ON THE LEAGUE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
WELL DONE THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT
He was a loyal servant to the club during very difficult times and help mould not only the club we have today but create history.
As you can imagine a project such as this cost money and with the valuable help of Dick Mattick 1 have been able to secure substantial funding for this project with a shortfall of £300.
It is at this point i ask for those readers of this post to consider making a donation towards this appeal.If only 30 of you contributed £10 we would be home and dry.
This is an opportunity to share in the heritage of the club.
The details to send your cheques are
Cheques payable to Sam Allen Appeal
Send to
Sam Allen Appeal
c/o 12 Coate
Marlborough Road
Swindon
Wilts
SN3 6AA
When the renovation has been completed there will be a service at St Saviours Church in Swindon (where Sam had his funeral)
If you would like to ask any relevant questions please e mail me on
james.turner3@ntlworld.comRegards
James Turner
